Summary
A new species of the palaeotropical genus Stenandriopsis S.Moore (Acanthaceae) is described from Daraina region (Loky-Manambato) in northeastern Madagascar, and named S. darainensis I.Darbysh. & Callm. It is compared to the most similar species morphologically, S. boivinii (S.Moore) Benoist, and notes on its habitat preferences and conservation status (extinction risk) are provided — it is assessed using IUCN criteria as Vulnerable [VU D2]. In addition, Stenandriopsis leptostachys Benoist var. longifolia Benoist from southern Madagascar is re-elevated to full species status and a new combination in Stenandriopsis is made for this taxon, Stenandriopsis longifolia (Benoist) I.Darbysh. & Callm.
Key Words: Acantheae, endemic, IUCN Red List assessment, novelty, taxonomy
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| Stenandriopsis darainensis. A habit; B indumentum of young stems; C bract, abaxial surface; D apex of bract, abaxial surface, showing eglandular indumentum (shown on the margin only) and positions of scattered glandular hairs; E bracteoles, inner (left) and outer (right) surfaces; F dissected calyx; G corolla, face view; H indumentum of corolla tube, with enlargement of one eglandular and one glandular hair; J dissection of corolla tube showing (left to right) style and stigma, two shorter anthers and two longer anthers (note that the adaxial staminode is hidden behind the two short anthers). Drawn from P. Ranirison PR 731: A Geneva herbarium; B – J Kew Herbarium, except G from photos. drawn by Andrew Brown. |
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| Stenandriopsis darainensis. Flowers, photographed at fôret d’Antsaharaingy, 21 April 2004, collected as P. Ranirison PR 731.
photo: P. Ranirison. |
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